Gulf officials in the electricity sector said the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Project achieved its most important strategic objectives in enhancing energy security and raising reliability and safety for Gulf electrical systems.
The project prevented any power outages, ensuring a 100 percent power supply and achieving economic savings for the Gulf countries estimated at $3 billion since the project became fully operational.
The forum Exploring Potentials of GCC Interconnection was held in cooperation between the GCC General Secretariat, the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), the GCC Interconnection Authority, and several public institutions.
The forum was held at the headquarters of the Derasat Center in al-Awali, and via video communication technology, with broad regional participation.
Executive Director of Derasat Center Hamad al-Abdullah said in his opening speech that the electricity interconnection between the GCC countries is among the most important strategic projects approved by the Council.
Abdullah stressed that the linkage plays a pivotal role, allowing the countries to benefit from the surplus and reduce production costs.
He praised the vital role of the Electricity Interconnection Authority in developing the electric power sector according to the best international practices.
The official said the development of the electricity interconnection is a strategic choice in light of the ambitious development plans.
Speaking at the event, CEO of the GCC Interconnection Authority Ahmed al-Ebrahim said the interconnection project was one of the most important infrastructure plans approved by GCC leaders.
The project achieved its most important strategic objectives of enhancing energy security, increasing reliability, and ensuring the safety of the Gulf electrical systems, added Ebrahim.
He further noted that the interconnectivity could prevent any partial or total outages by providing instant support, citing over 2,500 cases resolved since its implementation.
Moreover, he revealed that the interconnection saved about $3 billion the project was fully operational, referring to the initiatives undertaken by the Authority over the past years to develop the Gulf electricity trade market.
He indicated that the Authority continues to develop its systems and network to keep pace with the latest technical development.
The Authority has also issued a feasibility study to expand the electricity interconnection inside and outside the GCC system, given the increase in demand.
The event's first session reviewed present challenges and future opportunities for the GCC electricity interconnection, while the second session dealt with the role of international partnership in developing the interconnection and enhancing cooperation.
The third and final session explored regional research trends toward the future of the GCC Interconnection Authority.
The forum touched on regional research to support the implementation of plans and encourage investment in the electric power trade, creating a unique Gulf market.
It reiterated the importance and strategic implications of cooperation in energy on economic relations and sustainable development in the region.
The event launched a set of joint activities and research contributions between the General Secretariat and the Derasat Center.
In November 2021, the General Secretariat and the Center signed a memorandum of cooperation to support the scientific research and development process.
The GCC Interconnection Authority was established in 2001 as a joint-stock company subscribed by the six member states to connect basic infrastructure, provide members with electricity overloads in an emergency, and dispose of energy surpluses.
